Is Microsoft Ready For The Tablet War?

Earlier this week Microsoft announced the Surface, the company’s own branded Windows 8 tablet PC sporting a 10.6 inch HD touch panel, kickstand, and screen cover that also functions as a full keyboard.  Two models were shown: the business-focused Windows RT model that is thinner, lighter, and cheaper and the Windows 8 Pro, a more robust model with a faster Intel i5 processor, full 1080p HD screen, and additional media ports. The Windows RT is expected to launch with the Windows 8 OS this fall and the Pro model will follow three months later, though no exact pricing were announced.

This is a bold move for Microsoft. We’ve known from the beginning the strong touch focus of the Windows 8 OS and hardware manufacturers including HP, ASUS, and Acer have already announced tablets launching with the OS this fall.  However, it was unexpected that Microsoft would move to be a manufacturer themselves and even upstage their industry partners with this impressive design. Partner alienation aside, Microsoft is making a clear statement to consumers that they do not have to compromise with form or function when buying a tablet. Unlike competitors with their mobile OS, Surface will use the full-featured Windows 8 OS allowing users to run all existing PC applications, no waiting for an app to be developed. Also, when you combine the Surface’s innovative keyboard design, kickstand, and full featured specifications yourself a have a strong laptop replacement device.

Personally, these are the two factors of the Surface that has me seriously considering getting one when I have never desired to own a tablet. I have always viewed tablets as oversized and overpriced smartphones with no call function. The flashy, but unnecessary middle gadget that provided nothing I could not accomplish with either my smartphone or laptop. Also, mobile apps too often lack features I want from the standard program and touchscreen typing is kludge at best. It seems however that Microsoft may have found a form factor that provides the next tier of mobility and functionality better than any current tablet or ultrabook PC.

It will be interesting  to see how Microsoft’s partners (who are now also competitors), tablet king Apple, and consumers will react to the announcement of the Surface and its eventual fall release. Great design clearly was not enough for the ill-fated Zune media player to best the iPod with its loyal brand following. Did Microsoft come too late to the party with a great dessert but everyone is full of Apple pie? We’ll have to wait and see what the company does in the coming months in terms of marketing and industry collaboration. Maybe, just maybe Microsoft has found the magic combination of form and function to give the Surface a strong fighting chance in the Tablet War.

:?:Readers, does the Microsoft Surface make you more interested in owning a tablet?

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Crysis 3 Official Trailer Released: Is Your PC Ready?

After numerous leaks of the game last week, EA has officially released the trailer for Crysis 3. It is the third installment of the high-tech military shooter franchise and the second set in New York City, though now it is a lush rainforest among the ruins of the once great city. From the trailer, the bow seems like the weapon of choice.

The game is set to release in Q2 2013 for the PC, Xbox 360 and PS3. Having played parts of the first two in the series, Crysis has never wowed me in the gameplay. Certainly it is visually stunning which clearly the series is known for and appears Crysis 3 is continuing. We’ll see if anything changes.

PC gamers, you’ve got another beast coming soon to test your rig. 🙂

Official Site Link